Search For Man Missing Near Young Halted

Sheriff and search and rescue officials on March 8 called off the 11-day search for Paul Tomasso in rugged country south of Young. With no sign of the missing man and no clues to go on, officials decided to discontinue the search until they receive something to go on.

However, the investigation into his disappearance will continue.

Tomasso, 56, started a backpacking trip Feb. 13 and left his vehicle near Board Tree Saddle. He left a note in his vehicle saying he would be hiking for up to five days, but didn’t give any indication which direction he would head. He also didn’t take his cell phone with him. Officers found the phone in his vehicle along with the note.

Officials, in an earlier report, could not verify where Tomasso was from, but the license plate on the vehicle was from Colorado.

The storm the first weekend of March hampered the search.

Gila County Sheriff Adam Shepherd requests anyone with information that might help in locating Tomasso contact the GCSO at (928) 425-4449.

Shepherd thanks the following for their assistance in the search: Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, the Gila County Mounted Posse, Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement, Ari­zona Department of Public Safety, Mari­copa County Search and Rescue, and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.